Farmers

Every meal is prepared farm fresh.
Meet the farmers that grow our delicious produce.

Image used to describe Counter Culture, Oahu

Counter Culture

Oahu

Counter Culture is located in Hale‘iwa on the island of Oahu. Operated by four friends who share a passion for organic farming and fermented foods— Rob Barreca, Daniel Leas, Laarni Gedo, and Gabe Sachter-Smith. Rob, a graduate of GoFarm Hawai‘i and has been involved with urban agricultural, fermented food production, and brainstorming how tech can help farmers and the food system. Daniel, the jack-of-all-trades, has a background in carpentry, ranching, building, farming, and creating fermented foods including cured meats. Laarni, the flower and herb grower, also handles accounting, marketing, and sales. Gabe is a banana expert; kimchi, wine, and tempeh fermenter; farmer; and a master of enthusiasm.

Image used to describe Hawai’i Taro Farm LLC,

Hawai’i Taro Farm LLC

Hawai’i Taro Farm LLC, established by Native Hawaiian couple Bobby and Juanita Pahia in 2009, is a vibrant testament to Hawaiian culture and sustainability. Spanning 310 acres on Maui, the farm is a collaborative effort involving Bobby, Juanita, and 23 other local farmers who work together to grow traditional crops like taro, bananas, and coconuts. At Merriman's we showcase the farm’s taro in our dishes, highlighting the farm’s commitment to reviving Hawaiian traditions and supporting local agriculture. The farm not only perpetuates Hawaiian culture but also serves as a center for education and research, inspiring new generations to embrace sustainable practices and rethink food production.

Image used to describe Hirabara Farms, Big Island

Hirabara Farms

Big Island

With the passing of beloved owners Kurt and Pam Hirabara, the legacy of Hirabara Farms continues under the stewardship of former employee Ray Echavez. For nearly two decades, Kurt’s scientific expertise and Pam’s commitment to quality have led to the exceptional produce supplied to Merriman’s, including their renowned baby lettuces. On less than two acres, Hirabara Farms produces an impressive array of specialty lettuces—13 unique varieties, each offering distinct colors, shapes, and flavors, totaling 350 pounds a day. Merriman’s proudly receives a diverse selection, featuring Red Oak, Lollo Rossa, Frisee, and Cocarde, among others. Ray is dedicated to upholding the farm's rich heritage while continuing to deliver the freshest, highest-quality produce.

Image used to describe Hawaii Island Goat Cheese, Big Island

Hawaii Island Goat Cheese

Big Island

Hawaii Island Goat Cheese (now know as Big Kid LLC) goats freely graze on the lush grasses, bamboo, ginger, ti, and banana plants of the vibrant Hamakua Coast, yielding sweet, creamy milk. Notably, they recently introduced a groundbreaking, locally made goat cheese that boasts the title of the world’s first methane-neutral goat cheese, a sustainable achievement in partnership with Blue Ocean Barns and Merriman's. Co-owner of Hawaii Island Goat Dairy, Carl McKinney, remarked, "It's the same exceptional goat cheese we've always crafted, now with added environmental benefits." You can now enjoy this eco-conscious cheese at all Merriman's locations throughout the islands.

Image used to describe Malama Farms, Maui

Malama Farms

Maui

Dave and Lehua Fitch are at the forefront of something beautiful on the island of Maui. Their Berkshire hogs are treated in a way that respects how an animal is meant to be raised and slaughtered. They also show amazing love to the ‘aina by rotating the pens in their own developed system. Merriman’s loves this pig and our customers agree.

Image used to describe Ma`o Organic Farms, Oahu

Ma`o Organic Farms

Oahu

MAʻ O Organic Farms is located in Lualualei Valley with abundant sunshine and a rich tradition of food production led by Gary Maunakea. Through the farm enterprise they train and mentor youth who work on the farm as interns and apprentices to become entrepreneurial community leaders. These youth co-manage the farm, growing and processing a wide variety of high quality organic fruits and vegetables sold to the community through farmer’s markets, a CSA subscription service, grocers, natural food stores and restaurants such as Merriman's. The farm has grown organically over the years, from a 5 acre plot to an inspiring 281 acres in 2019. Ma`o Farms grows more than 40 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, including salad greens, root crops, cooking greens, herbs and seasonal tropical fruits.

Image used to describe Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Kualoa Ranch

Oahu

Nestled on the windward coast of O’ahu, the ~4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch boasts a thriving aquaculture operation as part of its KualoaGrown brand. With a team of 45 staff, the ranch cultivates a wide array of crops, tropical flowers, and five types of proteins (beef, pork, shrimp, oysters, and lamb), showcasing one of the most diverse farming operations in Hawai’i.

Image used to describe Rincon Farms, Big Island

Rincon Farms

Big Island

Since 1988, the Rincon Family has been providing patrons with their ruby red strawberries. This farm is very much a family production and therefore, the use of pesticides is very minimal, as with most farmers here. They don’t want to be working around anything that could potentially harm their family or produce. Rincon Farms uses only brief applications of fungicides and organic insecticides. Strawberries have always been their primary produce.

Image used to describe Small Kine Farms - Organic Mushrooms, Oahu

Small Kine Farms - Organic Mushrooms

Oahu

Since 2009, nestled in the heart of Waimānalo, Small Kine Farm has been crafting organic mushrooms on 4.7 acres with total Aloha. Evolving from a green recycling company, their journey now sees them using compost and innovative methods to grow premium mushrooms, all while prioritizing taste, texture, and sustainability. Founder Yang's vision, inspired by nature, shines through in the farm's commitment to diversity and community benefits. From the delightful Keiki Portabella to the beloved Tūtū Portabella, their mushroom varieties cater to a wide range of palates. With a mission anchored in sustainability and flavor, Small Kine Farm not only supports local agriculture and communities but also embodies Merriman’s principles. A heartfelt mahalo to Small Kine Farm for their dedication to excellence, their Aloha spirit, and for delivering their fresh harvests straight to our tables!

Image used to describe Tropical Dreams, Big Island

Tropical Dreams

Big Island

Tropical Dreams has been making gourmet ice cream and other related products for a quarter of a century. They produce small batches of custom made super premium ice cream. Super premium means it is made with cream containing 18% butter fat and is “low over run” (the amount of air mixed in during the freezing process), thus producing a dense, rich product. All of the creams used for their ice creams come from local dairies, and they also use as much local fruit as possible in their mixes.

Image used to describe Waialua Estate Farm, Oahu

Waialua Estate Farm

Oahu

Nestled on the former sugarcane lands of Waialua Estate on the Wahiawa Plateau, overlooking the North Shore of Oahu, lies a hidden gem for extraordinary coffee and cacao production. The 155-acre coffee farm, perched at around 700 feet above sea level, boasts a picturesque setting amid the majestic Waianae and Ko'olau mountain ranges, with Mt. Ka'ala casting its shadow. In harmony, the 80-acre cacao plantation thrives along the Kaukonahua River near Waialua town, benefitting from the region's warm, mild climate and ample rainfall. This unique environment serves as the fertile foundation for the premium cacao used in Merriman's renowned restaurant dishes like our Signature Chocolate Purse.